Chambers County

Chambers County was created by an act of the Texas Legislature in 1858, just three years before the American Civil War began. Formed out of Liberty County and a small parcel of Jefferson County, the county was named for resident and politician Thomas Jefferson Chambers. Wallisville was designated as the county seat. In 1907, a petition was presented to the county fathers requesting that the county seat be moved from Wallisville to Anahuac after a controversial hog law was enacted.

Land in Chambers County is used for recreation and agriculture. Favorite recreation activities among residents and visitors alike include hunting, fishing and wildlife and bird watching. The primary agricultural endeavors in Chambers County include the production of rice, soybeans, forage, cattle and aquaculture enterprises. Visitors flock to Chambers County to visit the Texas Rice Festival, Texas Gatorfest, and the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. These activities help to increase the economic development of the county.

Like other Texas counties, Chambers County is concentrating on growing a strong educational system and developing a strong economy that will prepare its citizens and its children for the 21st century. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Chambers County serves a population of 53,876+ residents. Our goal is to provide quality, reliable education programs that address issues of importance to local citizens.

In 1999 the Texas Communities Future Forum was conducted in all 254 counties in Texas. From this process, the top issues of importance to the citizens of each county were identified. In Chambers County the top four issues included:

1. Improved economic development through tourism and agriculture diversification
2. Improved job skill education in order to increase employment opportunities
3. Better utilization of natural resources
4. Parent education classes to promote stronger families

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Chambers County has addressed these issues in a variety of ways. Some of the programs developed in response includes:

1. Agriculture Finance Seminars and Producers Meetings
2. Worksite Wellness for county employees
3. Better Living for Texans: Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program
4. Natural resource conservation classes

Through an expansive network of 250 county offices and more than 900 professional educators, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides practical, accessible solutions to everyday challenges. Connect with an AgriLife Extension representative in your area to explore the wide range of educational resources, programming and activities available to you.